Plant Production and Facilities Technician

Description

The Plant Production & Facilities Technician supports greenhouse, field, and facility operations to ensure the successful production of high-quality plant material for breeding, research, trials, marketing, and commercial programs. This role combines hands-on horticultural production, greenhouse and field support, pest management, facility maintenance, and operational support to maintain safe, efficient, and productive growing environments.

Full-time

• Perform routine facility maintenance inspections and repairs, including plumbing, irrigation, carpentry, painting, fabrication, and general upkeep.
• Conduct preventative maintenance and assist with repairs of greenhouse systems, irrigation, climate equipment, and facility infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot basic mechanical, irrigation, and facility-related issues.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment through daily sanitation and housekeeping.
• Assist with movement and setup of equipment, materials, furniture, displays, and greenhouse infrastructure.

• Perform core production tasks including planting, transplanting, propagation, pruning, harvesting, and crop movement.
• Prepare growing materials such as media, pots, trays, and labels.
• Support irrigation, fertility management, and greenhouse environmental monitoring.
• Scout crops for pests, disease, and nutrient issues and report findings.
• Support IPM activities, biological controls, and pesticide applications as directed.
• Maintain accurate production records, including crop data, inventory, and measurements.
• Support breeding, research, and trial programs through plant maintenance.

• Support field preparation, planting, irrigation setup, fertilization, spraying, weed control, and harvesting.
• Operate and maintain field equipment such as tractors, mowers, forklifts, sprayers, and skid steers.
• Maintain grounds through mowing, trimming, landscaping, and general site upkeep.
• Assist with seasonal projects, events, and operational support activities.

• Participate in weekend watering and greenhouse monitoring schedules.
• Support seasonal employees and small project teams as needed.
• Communicate updates and issues to supervisors and team members.
• Collaborate with growers, breeders, researchers, and facility teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, safety, and crop quality.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 1–3 years of experience in facilities, greenhouse, or equipment maintenance (e.g., irrigation systems, environmental controls, mechanical systems) within horticulture, agriculture, or a related environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Illinois Pesticide License or Handler Permit within six months of hire.li>
• Ability to safely operate forklifts, skid steers, tractors, sprayers, and related equipment or willingness to become certified.
• Basic mechanical aptitude with the ability to learn equipment maintenance and facility repair tasks.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work in varying weather conditions and greenhouse environments throughout the year.
• Valid driver's license required.

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach for up to 100% of the workday.
• Ability to use hands and fingers for repetitive tasks for up to 100% of the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds for up to 25% of the workday.
• Ability to push and pull carts, equipment, and plant materials for up to 25% of the workday.
• Ability to work in…